Saskatoon airport to offer COVID-19 testing with same-day results

Saskatoon airport begins COVID-19 testing WATCH: CTV Saskatoon's Chad Leroux on why the airport is offering multiple options for travellers

Saskatoon — Saskatoon's airport is now offering fee-based COVID-19 testing.

The testing for asymptomatic customers must be pre-booked.

Four types of tests are offered, offering results within 15 minutes, 12 hours, 24 hours or 48 hours depending on the option.

C.J. Dushinski, vice president of business development and service quality, said the type of test needed often comes down to the destination of the traveler.

“There are different test options depending on what you need. Different countries require different tests,” Dushinski said.

"We understand that enhancing traveler confidence is imperative," said Andrew Leeming, vice president of operational excellence at the airport.

"We are excited to facilitate this on-site testing to help enhance safe travel in and out of our community.”

In a news release, the airport said tests will be processed by Quantum Genetix while NOBEL HSSE Ltd.will handle sample collection.

“Were very excited to welcome our partners Nobel and Quantum Genetix into the airport to do COVID-19 testing. It is primarily for our travelers, but it really is open to anyone looking to get tested, whether they are traveling out of the country, for work, or just for peace of mind,” said Dushinski.

The project will also test the waters of airport COVID-19 screening for the future.

“This initiative is really part of a pilot project to asses the success of the program and what the future of COVID testing looks like with travel,” Dushinski told CTV News.

“We think the timing is right, this is not something that is going away any time soon, so were really excited to have our partners here to serve our guests and the greater community.”

The fees range from $93 for rapid antigen tests to $350 for RT–PCR tests.

“PCR testing is much more specific and sensitive to detection. Typically with rapid antigen testing, you need to catch the client if they are symptomatic in the first five days, but we do not accept anyone with symptoms,” Nobel HSSE lab team lead Deb Berscheid said.

The airport began offering the tests in a trial run on Monday, and officially opened to the public on Tuesday.

Appointments must be booked online before 8:45 a.m. on the day of the test.